In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA criticised the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), describing the incident as a reflection of deep-rooted corruption, indiscipline, and impunity within the force. The group also accused the Police Service Commission (PSC) of inefficiency in handling rogue operatives, claiming this failure has emboldened corrupt practices among officers.
“It is no surprise to discerning Nigerians that two suspected killers of the Anambra legislator were allowed to escape,” the statement read. “The claim that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) has ordered an investigation is laughable. Such scandals are deeply entrenched and require structural reforms to eradicate the ‘rotten eggs’ in the force.”
HURIWA alleged that rogue officers often collude with criminals, enabling them to evade justice, while substituting innocent citizens as scapegoats. “Many youths have been randomly arrested, imprisoned as awaiting trial inmates, and left to languish for crimes they did not commit simply because they lacked resources to bribe their way out,” the group said.
The rights group demanded the immediate arrest and investigation of all police officers involved in the incident, insisting they should face prosecution if found culpable.
“This despicable act of sabotaging the criminal justice system has further tarnished the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement added.
HURIWA also called for comprehensive reforms in the federal policing system, emphasising the need for accountability and professionalism. “The current constitutional amendment process presents an opportunity to address the structural deficiencies and eradicate the entrenched culture of corruption within the force,” it noted.
The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, had confirmed the incident, saying the suspects escaped while assisting police operatives in an investigation.
